By Fatima Halloum
After devoting 13 years of her time to serving the public, Claire Walker’s career as a police officer was snapped short when the Wyndham resident was ill-health retired in 2009.
Ms Walker’s real name cannot be shared, as many of the criminals she helped clear from the streets remain a threat to her and her children, even after being out of the job for more than a decade.
The lack of support following the devastating loss of a job she had sacrificed her mental wellbeing and physical safety for made Ms Walker feel like she was just another number.
“It’s like I didn’t exist, I had absolutely nothing [when I left],” she said.
Ms Walker was able to find solace in Police Veteran’s Victoria (PVV), an organisation with a focus on improving mental health amongst veterans, claiming to be the sole support group for Victoria Police Veterans and their families.
“They give you support, they give you advice, they let you know what the process is, they’re there as a representative, and help with financial issues, addiction issues, domestic abuse, mental health issues,” she said.
Ms Walker said she couldn’t stress “the importance of the work they do” and she truly believes “so many veterans wouldn’t be here” without the support of the PVV.
PVV says it received almost 300 referrals during the 2021-22 financial year, an increase of 500 per cent year over year.
But chief executive David McGowan said the group, which relies mostly on donations from the public and corporations, doesn’t have the funding or resources for significant growth.
“Police officers get stabbed, they get shot, they get run over, they are exposed to the worst of humanity,” he said.
“They’re very private, they’ll just withdraw, that results in suicide, self harm, we have veterans living in the street, in their cars.”
In a letter seen by Star Weekly, Police Minister Anthony Carbines recognised the “vital work” undertaken by the PVV, but did not commit to funding the organisation.
“The prevalence of mental health issues among our police force is highly concerning,” Mr Carbines wrote.
“The Victorian government recognises it is critical that our police officers receive the support and resources they need, and this is something we are working to address.”
Mr McGowan said without necessary investment, the lack of support could be detrimental.
“We’re trying to pick them up … [but without funding] this will just continue to impact [them].”
